Falls police defendants dropped from defamation suit after ending fight over catering bill

The Falls Township police union and two former leaders have been removed as defendants in a retaliation lawsuit after halting their pursuit of repayment for a $2,300 catering bill. This development unfolded after petitions were filed by former Falls police Officer Bruce Rhodunda and current Cpl. Steve Lanagan to dismiss the Police Association of Falls Township and former presidents Michael Callahan and George Thomas from their 2021 lawsuits. The withdrawal of the civil suit by the police union, which was seeking to recover funds allegedly used improperly for a family funeral reception, prompted this legal shift. Judge Cheryl Austin accepted the dismissals, indicating a likely settlement of related matters.
The controversy stemmed from an allegedly unauthorized use of union funds during Rhodunda's tenure as treasurer and Lanagan's presidency. While no criminal charges have been filed, the allegations led to an investigation by the Bucks County District Attorney's Office, which found no evidence of a crime. The current lawsuits, which claim defamation and retaliation, are still active against Falls Township and Chief Nelson Whitney. The case highlights ongoing tension within the police union and the scrutiny faced by its current and former members, with broader implications for transparency and accountability within the organization.
RATING
The article provides a detailed and largely accurate account of the legal proceedings involving the Falls Township police union and the allegations of unauthorized spending. It effectively communicates the key developments and the ongoing nature of the lawsuits, maintaining timeliness and relevance. However, the article could benefit from including a wider range of sources and perspectives to enhance balance and source quality. The complexity of the legal issues is presented clearly, though the use of legal jargon may affect readability for some readers. Overall, the story is informative and addresses important public interest issues, though its impact may be confined to local audiences unless further developments arise.
RATING DETAILS
The story provides a detailed account of the legal proceedings involving the Falls Township police union, accurately reporting on the dismissal of defendants from a lawsuit. The main factual claims, such as the withdrawal of the civil suit over a catering bill and the roles of Bruce Rhodunda and Steve Langan, align with the information available in legal documents and reports. The article correctly states that the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office found no evidence of a crime, which is a crucial fact in the narrative. However, while the story mentions the involvement of Judge Cheryl Austin, it could benefit from more explicit confirmation of the specific legal basis for her decisions, which is a minor area needing further verification.
The article presents a balanced view of the legal dispute by detailing both the claims made by the police union and the counterclaims of Rhodunda and Langan. It mentions the allegations of unauthorized spending and the subsequent investigation, as well as the ongoing lawsuits alleging defamation and retaliation. However, the article could enhance its balance by including perspectives from the police union or other involved parties, such as statements from current union leaders or legal representatives, to provide a more comprehensive view of the situation.
The article is structured logically, presenting the sequence of events clearly and cohesively. The language is straightforward, making the complex legal proceedings accessible to a general audience. However, some readers might find the narrative dense due to the legal jargon and the number of individuals and entities involved. Simplifying or explaining certain legal terms could improve understanding for those unfamiliar with legal processes.
The article relies on court filings and statements from The Fairness Center, providing a basis of factual authority. However, it lacks direct quotes or statements from involved parties such as the police union, Rhodunda, Langan, or their legal representatives. Including a wider range of sources, such as interviews or official statements, would strengthen the credibility and depth of the reporting. The absence of these voices leaves the story somewhat reliant on second-hand information, which can affect the perceived reliability.
The article provides transparency by citing court documents and mentioning the role of The Fairness Center in representing the union pro-bono. However, it does not delve into the methodology or provide detailed background on how the information was gathered, such as whether attempts were made to contact the involved parties for comments. Greater disclosure regarding the sources of information and the process of obtaining it would enhance the article's transparency.
Sources
- https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/appellate-courts/F2/890/611/387377/
- https://www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/dli/documents/individuals/labor-management-relations/plrb/proposed/2025/falls-twp-pf-c-23-68-e.pdf
- https://lowerbuckssource.net/breaking-news/breaking-news-falls-township/edit-2-falls-twp-police-union-sues-former-president-treasurer-for-misappropriation-of-association-funds-alleg-fin2/
YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN

What does the Knox County trustee do? Why the investigation into Justin Biggs matters
Score 6.4
A retrial of Sarah Palin's case against 'New York Times' begins Monday
Score 7.2
CaaStle board confirms financial distress, furloughing employees
Score 8.0
Catalytic converter thefts dropped 60% in Fresno after arrest of a single seller
Score 7.6